Layering clothes for men is the only reason I’m not currently crying in my hallway because it’s November in NYC and my building’s heat is “being worked on” which we all know means never. I’m sitting here in mismatched socks, a thermal henley that’s got a tiny hole near the hem, and this ancient flannel I stole from my college roommate in 2016. It’s giving hobo-chic and I’m weirdly proud of it.
How I Accidentally Got Good at Layering Clothes for Men
Two years ago I owned exactly two jackets: a puffer that made me look like a walking sleeping bag and a hoodie I wore until the drawstrings disappeared. Then winter 2023 hit and I had this work thing in Manhattan where I couldn’t show up looking like I just rolled out of a dive bar (even though I had). Spent $47 at a thrift store in Bushwick, came home with a denim jacket, a grandpa cardigan with elbow patches, and a random scarf that smells faintly like someone else’s grandma. Threw them all on over a plain white tee the next morning and suddenly the security guard at my office called me “sir.” SIR. I was 32. Life changed.
My System That’s Held Together by Hope and Coffee
I don’t plan outfits. I panic at 7:03 AM and do this:
- Whatever T-shirt or henley is on top of the clean-ish pile
- Flannel or that one chambray shirt that’s soft enough to sleep in
- Sweater that probably has a pull in it somewhere
- Jacket that makes me feel slightly less broke than I am
If I can peel one thing off on the subway without flashing the entire car, I count it as a win.
The Time I Cooked Myself Like a Burrito
Went to see this girl in Greenpoint last week. Decided to “dress up.” Translation: henley + thick flannel + chunky knit + waxed jacket + the longest scarf known to man. Looked dope for exactly six minutes. Then the G train showed up and it was apparently the surface of the sun. By the time I got off at Nassau Ave I had the jacket around my waist, scarf in my backpack, sweater sleeves pushed up, and sweat dripping down my back like I’d run a 5K. She opened the door, took one look at me and just started laughing. We’re still talking but I’m pretty sure she screenshots my texts to her friends for entertainment.
Textures Make the Man (Apparently)
I used to think mixing textures was for people who own more than one cologne. Now I’ll wear corduroy pants with a fuzzy sweater and a canvas jacket and not even blink. Got called “cozy” by a random barista last week and I’ve been riding that high ever since.
Current rotation:
- That beat-up leather jacket that’s finally soft in all the right places
- Waffle thermals because I’m secretly 65 years old
- Whatever flannel hasn’t been eaten by moths yet
The Sock Agenda
If you’re layering clothes for men and still wearing plain black socks, I’m concerned for your soul. I’ve got these electric blue ones with tiny tacos on them that make me smile every single time my jeans ride up. Wore them with loafers to a client meeting once. Nobody said anything but I know they saw. Zero regrets.
Yeah That’s It
Layering clothes for men is basically just playing dress-up so you don’t freeze to death while still looking like you have your life together. Some days I nail it and feel like the main character. Some days I’m wearing four shirts and still cold because I refused to buy gloves like a stubborn toddler.
Do whatever. Wear the ugly sweater. Keep the holey thermal. Let one ridiculous sock peek out. Just don’t be the dude in the same hoodie for three months straight, we’re begging you.
What’s your current layering situation? I’m nosy and bored and my coffee’s gone cold. Tell me in the comments so I can copy you tomorrow.
